December 1, 2019, marked the date that sentencing provisions for most DWI offenses changed. These changes eliminated the penalty of drivers’ license suspension in favor of interlock installation for most first and second DWI offenses.

This major change in approach was based upon a statement of public policy enunciated by the Legislature reflecting its attitude toward what public policy should be for reducing recidivism after DWI convictions. It first pointed out that interlock devices were not required for some first offenders, with blood alcohol content under .15% BAC. As to these offenders, the Legislature found that, since “a majority of drunk drivers, including first offenders, often continue to drive with suspended licenses, ignition interlock devices (IID) are more effective in deterring drunk drivers than license suspension.” After referring to some statistics in further findings, the Legislature summed up its argument for IID’s by stating in its final finding that, “Therefore, it is fitting and proper to require all first time offenders, to install an ignition interlock device.”

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